Here is a summary of Justice by John Galsworthy in essay language:
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Justice is a play by John Galsworthy that explores the themes of crime, punishment, and the judicial system. The play follows the story of William Falder, a young clerk who embezzles money from his firm to help a woman he loves. Falder is caught and sentenced to three years in prison.
The play opens with Falder being questioned by his employer, James How, about a missing cheque. Falder confesses to forging the cheque, but he explains that he did it out of desperation to help Ruth Honeywill, a married woman with whom he is in love. Ruth is being abused by her husband, and Falder wanted to take her away from him.
How turns Falder over to the police, and he is eventually sentenced to three years in prison. While in prison, Falder is subjected to solitary confinement, which drives him to the brink of insanity. After his release, Falder struggles to reintegrate into society and eventually commits suicide.
The play is a powerful indictment of the British judicial system, which Galsworthy saw as being too harsh and unforgiving. He argued that the system failed to take into account the circumstances that led to Falder's crime, and that it ultimately destroyed him.
Galsworthy's critique of the judicial system is most evident in the character of Hector Frome, Falder's defense attorney. Frome is a young and idealistic lawyer who believes that the system can be reformed. However, he is eventually forced to admit that the system is too corrupt to be changed.
The play also explores the theme of social stigma. Falder is a respectable young man from a good family, but his crime brands him as a criminal. This social stigma makes it difficult for him to find a job or to reintegrate into society. In the end, Falder's suicide is a direct result of the social stigma that he was forced to bear.
Justice was a critical and commercial success when it was first produced in 1910. It has been adapted for film and television several times, and it continues to be studied and performed today. The play is a powerful and timely reminder of the importance of justice and the need for a fair and humane judicial system.
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I hope this summary is helpful!
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